Crazy Women's Photography Club

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About me… Fay Stout (Lala)

As we go through life, we invent the things that make us happy and give meaning to our lives. Now that I am retired from 45 years in critical care nursing, my life has changed drastically in so many ways. Several of the nurses I worked with have expressed an interest in learning more about photography so we decided to form this club as photography is one of my passions. I designed a mug with the logo of a camera, sunglasses, a cool drink and a bird flying free. We have been on several outings together and have had such fun and a lot of laughs. And when I hear of their busy days at work, I am thankful to be retired and healthy enough to be doing the things I love. Birthday: July 28

The Crazy Women

Tess "the mess!"

Birthday: March 28
Likes: Eating and Photography
Educational achievement: MSN, RN, BSN and works as a critical care nurse.

Married to a Greek by origin who does not speak Greek, and does not eat seafoods. Has three four-legged kids: Mika, Mavros, and Hunter. Tess started her photography adventure in January, shoots with a Canon 60D and has developed a love for shooting macro. She is now in the process of teaching herself to use photoshop.

Donna

Birthday: December 2

Likes: Scrapbooking, Photography, Crafting and Cooking

I am a registered nurse who is grateful for having made the choice to become a nurse. It has been one of my greatest accomplishments. I am currently pursuing my masters in Nursing Education so I can continue doing one of my favorite things in nursing, mentoring others.

I have been married to Steve for 25 years and have two sons who have all been the focus of my photography career thus far. I shoot a Canon Rebel XL and look forward to all the new photograph subjects and photography knowledge that CWPC will provide!

Bring on the bugs, flowers, animals, sunsets and challenges, I'm ready to shoot!

Debbie

Birthday: August 2
I have been married to Gary for 18 years and have two sons, two step daughters, and five grandsons. Of course our grandsons are spoiled but not nearly as spoiled as our daschund, Sienna.

I work as a respiratory therapist at Lakepointe Medical Center and have met some awesome people since I have been working there.

I have no photography experience but I do love beautiful pictures, especially those of my family. Have recently upgraded to a Canon 60D which I am finding out can be awesome but can also be somewhat frustrating at times, but with the help of the "crazy women" I know I will definitely learn more.

Though I love being at home with Gary and Sienna, when I was invited to join the CWPC I was so excited that I could get away from the house and work and chill a little. It has been a fun experience so far and looking forward to more good times!

I am married to a preteen minister so our life stays pretty busy! We enjoy hanging out with the kids in the ministry and traveling.

I got into the CWPC as a stress outlet after working long and stressful hours- and It has provided just that- crazy wimmin' unite!!!!! :)

Vickie

Birthday: July 22
I have been a Registered Nurse since 1977 and a licensed attorney since 1991. I am married to George Warner, who is a CFP, Certified Financial Planner, at American National Bank.

I have a step-daughter, Rebekah Warner, who is a teacher and a daughter, Allison Baxter, who is in college for Social Work.
I love to travel and am also the designated family photographer at gatherings and special occasions. I took a photography course in college but succumbed to the point and click camera when digital came out.

I recently bought a Canon EOS T3i and have attended a couple of classes, bought books and am taking a 30 day on-line course to remove some cobwebs from the early 1980's, when last I had to worry about aperture, shutter speed and ISO!!

Looking forward to learning, laughing and loving photography!!

Lorraine

Birthday: July 15th
Occupation: I work in the ICU as a Monitor Tech.

I have been happily married to Mike for over 30 years. I enjoy reading, gardening, being outdoors, and am now hooked on photography! I also love walking, bicycling, and working out on a lyra hoop (an aerial apparatus that you can combine flexibility with acrobatic movements).
I never thought I could or would want to do photography.

When I heard about the CWPC I decided to give it a try. My first outing with the group resulted in much interest and excitement. I can't help but look at things differently now. Often when I look at things my mind is thinking about what kind of shot that would make and how would I go about it. I use a Nikon D5100. A really great birthday gift from my husband!

I feel very fortunate to have this opportunity to learn with such a great group!!!

Dana

Birthday: March 24
1996 - I picked up a used 35mm camera and signed up for a class to learn how to work all the buttons....I have not put a camera down since!
I did convert to a DSL and through the years I have been asked to do a few weddings, all kinds of portraits, school yearbook photos, along with images and virtual tours for home builders. I have had other jobs along the way but my heart is in my camera.

Follow me for crazy stories of my life as a DIY addict, Freelance Photographer and Sales professional living on a ranch in Texas with 2 donkeys, 10 goats, 9 doggies! I am married and have a son, daughter and grand baby!

Lynda

Birthday: July 1

Born in Buckinghamshire, England where I have lived nearly all my life.

Met hubby John while we were training as teachers in County Durham and married 43 years ago. We have two children and three grandchildren.

Until retirement my work included teaching Art and Design, Creative Textiles and Fashion in Secondary School, working as a freelance embroiderer making banners, refurbished a church using traditional embroidery and gold work methods and for a few years ran my own wedding wear business designing and making garments for bride, groom and bridesmaids.

Spent six years teaching in Maximum Security Young Offenders Institution.

Hobbies are family history, gardening, metal detecting and am now getting back into patchwork, quilting and creative embroidery.

Have always taken photographs for design ideas but since getting to know Fay, the desire to do more with my camera has grown. My camera is a Canon G9.

Merrie

Birthday: June 26

I work at LakePointe Medical Center and just celebrated my 25th anniversary with Tenet. I have been an ICU nurse for 33 years.

I have always enjoyed taking pictures but have become interested in learning about photography more recently and so am very happy that Fay started this club for crazy women like me. I have a lot to learn and am excited for the opportunity to join with other crazy women in this adventure.

My camera is an Olympus Evolt that I inherited from my father. He was an avid camera collector more than an actual photographer and he would be happy that I am actually getting use out of his camera.

I am married to Steve and we just celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary. Our children include 2 cats and a dog. My other interests include playing the classical guitar and studying the Bible. And of course, eating out and shopping.

Marcia

Birthday: November 29

My camera is a Canon EOS Rebel XS. And I love it.

I am currently working as a virtual assistant. I started my own virtual assistant business called Superstar Support, LLC this past year.

Before starting this business, I worked for 30 years as a legal secretary in downtown Dallas. I decided to retire from that line of work and find some work I could do from home. That's when I became a virtual assistant. I also work as a substitute crossing guard for Rockwall ISD. I already have my CWPC tee shirt and am looking forward to being able to attend an outing real soon.

Linda

Birthday: August 25

I am a poet who enjoys gardening, birding, butterfly walks, travel, and photography. To say it more honestly, I am a poet who likes to dig in the dirt, look at birds, butterflies, and scenery, taking pictures of everything.

A Gulf Fritillary butterfly who posed politely on a hot pink zinnia in my flowerbed while I got a great shot with my point-and-shoot camera had the honor of appearing on the cover of a national poetry organization’s 2012 anthology. This fueled the flame for taking more pictures with a better camera—if I had one. Until then, the little Sony Cyber-Shot and I are following the CWPC activities with interest.

Lily

Birthday: January 29

Lily is a native of Riga, Latvia. She immigrated to the USA in 1980 to pursue her dream of living in a free country. Many years went by and Lily underwent a long and exciting professional career as a case manager with Family Services helping new immigrants resettle in the USA.

I have worked as a labor and delivery nurse for most of my nursing career, beginning in 1996. I enjoy working in women's health, and after so many years as a staff nurse, I finally decided to take a leap of faith and went to graduate school. I attended the University of Cincinnati and obtained a Masters in Nursing, and am now a Certified Nurse Midwife and a Women's Health Nurse Practitioner. I love what I do, and would not trade it for anything!!

I am mom to two great kids, but grown ups now. My daughter is 22 and the focus of many pictures I have taken. My son is 25 and lives in Las Vegas. He is married, but no grandbabies yet. I have three cats and a dog, and a grandpuppy!

I want to indulge in my guilty pleasure of taking pictures. This has been a little hobby of mine for many years... since childhood with my little instamatic!! Currently, I have a Canon EOS Rebel Xsi. Although I have had it a few years now, I am still learning how to use it and take advantage of it's features!

I am looking forward to spending some time with some crazy women, and snapping away!!

I tend to have about one passion at a time. Among them, sort of in chronological order are: Automobile racing, rallying and autocrossing. Painting - not houses, the kind you hang on the wall. Jewelry making - had a rather complete jewelry shop in my garage. Flying - had a Cherokee 140 and put almost 2,000 hours on it, sold it in 2001, the other happiest day of my life. Running. Mountain biking, in which I hurt myself often and sometimes badly. Acting - about fifteen years, I miss it and still browse the audition notices, but other things came
along. Motorcycling - still do it, but - now, photography.

Oh, and I keep myself in that stuff by writing computer code - I've
always been a programmer, well, except for the sixteen years I took
off and taught computer science at university.

I am shooting Nikon D5100. Almost always I walk around with a Tamron
18-270 lens.

rebeKah

Birthday: March 8

Currently I'm a Lewisville resident with photography and pickleball hobbies and working odd jobs.

Grew up in the Casa View area of Dallas with 2 brothers and a sister. Graduated from a small college class of 12 with an educational degree. Never married.

My first camera was a Pentax K1000 which I started using for the yearbook along with Minoltas in junior high. Although I shoot just about anything interesting to me, I tend to be attracted to people and wildlife the most.

Gina

Birthday: March 5

I am a native of Bulacan, Philippines.
I like to shoot with my co-crazy women group and joined this group to have some fun.

Sure enough ... there were NDM (no dull moments)!

Sassy

Birthday: February 8
I have been into photography for almost 35 years. I started out with an old exacta 35mm film camera (about 1977/78) and have just recently switched over to digital when I got a Canon Xs.

I am a mom to two daughters, a wife of 26 yrs, a Rheumatoid Arthritis Warrior, strictly a hobbiest photographer, and defiantly crazy, after all I have survived raising 2 daughters to adulthood.
My main focus in photography is rural and landscape photography and living in Oregon there are millions of opportunities here.

Carol

Birthday: June 11

Currently living in the Washington DC area and loving it! Grew up in Boston but as an adult have moved a few times and traveled around the world.
I have 3 passions in life:
1- Family (3 grown children, 2 grandchildren, husband of 40 years)
2- Photography
3- The Boston Red Sox!!!

My favorite photography to shoot is sports, any kind, it doesn't matter. I love being around the action and the challenges it brings.

I'm thrilled to be a part of CWPC but so miss shooting with the ladies in Dallas!

Michelle

Birthday: February 19

I love to shoot just about anything that catches me....which seems to be everything! My main focus has been raising my kids and shooting pictures of the world around me. We travel internationally a great deal so the opportunity for photos has been fantastic. Though I love finding the hundreds of photos that exist on a simple walk down the block.

I am originally from Michigan and arrived in Texas through a round about way. Seventeen years later and three children to show for it, looks like we're here to stay. My formal training is in biology and education but my heart is in the pictures.

Liz

Birthday: March 11

Hometown: West Monroe, LA (I think it's unofficially Duck Dynasty town now!)
Three grown children, my 3 b's: Betsy, Barbara and Buck, all married with children. Seven grandchildren in all, ranging from ages 30 to 5 years. They are the light of my life and I take photos of them every chance I get. I have lived in the Dallas area since 1970 and quickly became a Texan. (Was there any other choice?)

I was a senior administrative assistant for many years until retirement, in the oil and gas industry. My favorite employer was Mobil Oil Exploration & Producing Ventures.

Back in the late 60's. 70's and part of the 80's, our entire family of five took our summer vacations, traveling to the western states and camped in our National Forests and State Parks. I shall never forget the beauty that I saw and was a bit tuned in to photography with the little Instamatic camera that took little photos. I later bought a Canon film camera, EOS II. I really got interested in getting a better camera when I learned I was going on a cruise-land trip in 2008 to Alaska and digital was the way to go.

I am presently shooting with a Canon 7D which I truly like. I need to upgrade lenses but that is a dollar issue right now. It has helped me considerably to be a part of Capture Dallas.

I also like genealogy and music. I have taken piano lessons from a young age and presently sing in a senior choir with the 1st Baptist Church in Richardson.

Kinnie

Birthday: June 27

I have 2 brothers, one of them is the reason I am in this area. I have a home near Tyler, Tx. My oldest brother is the one I am staying with due to him suffering a spinal cord injury January 6th of last year. Thank God he is no longer paralyzed, but he uses a walker and still has problems with balance and other things. I am mainly eyes and chauffeur when needed.

I met Fay at the arboretum and we had an instant bond (or at least I think so, LOL). I love photography and learning all I can. I have a Canon 70d and I am still learning how to use it. I would LOVE to bend some ears and learn photoshop better. Teach me, teach me PLEASE! LOL

Venus

Birthday: May 27

I was born in North Platte, Nebraska. GO Big Red! My father is Greek, my mother is American Indian which makes an interesting combo. Came to Dallas when I was two years old. I have a son. I began doing hair in 1985 and owned a Day Spa in Rowlett from which I retired and sold in 2006.
I love to travel and I have been all over the world, 4 continents so far.

I began taking photos with an Olympus OM 4 that my mother gave me. I currently shoot with a Nikon D3200 but I am looking for a full frame camera next.

I am currently getting my Digital Media Technology degree. Going back to school after 30 years has been daunting, but I am determined. My partner Denise and I have been together 12 years and we are making a comfortable, fun life for ourselves. Between our kids and adopted kids we have 8. Our tiny house is bursting at the seams on holidays.

I am looking forward to learning from everyone!

Deanna

Birthday: December 22

Looking forward to this new crazy women club. I love everything about nature even what some people find to be ugly. I use my Canon Rebel T3i EDS 600D to document the beauty around me. Looking forward to my first challenge.

Anita

Birthday: September 6

I started with Photography as a hobby in the late 1960s, when I was in college. But when my camera broke, I took a long hiatus and picked it up again nearly 35 years later. Since 1997, I've been pretty serious about it,
and have been fortunate to be able to travel to 6 of the 7 continents, shooting in Germany, Kenya, Tanzania, Iceland, Svalbard, and South Georgia Island.

I'm primarily a Canon girl, shooting with a 5D Mk III and 7D, but more recently I picked up an Olympus OM-D E-M1 because it's so much lighter than my DSLRs, to say nothing of how compact and light the lenses for it
are. I consider myself a fairly advanced photographer, but there is still so much I need to learn! I also enjoy reading and going to movies with friends.

Pat

Birthday: September 8

I am a retired educator. I spend time in Seattle driving grandchildren when school is out. When in Grapevine, I am a volunteer in several areas: paleontology, certified tax preparator for AARP. I am about to start the citizen forester program and expect to tutor underprivileged kids in the area soon. I shoot with a Nikon D3100. Last spring I took the first digital photography course offered in community colleges and this semester I am taking the second one. For each of the past two Novembers I have gone to Festival of the Cranes at Bosque del Apache NWR, which I love. This past November I took 1,825 shots and am happy with 20 of them.

Lee

Here's my head shot from a few years ago.

I have had a camera in my hand since 5th grade but really became serious about my photography after joining a couple of local photo clubs 10 years ago. My addictions to travel and photography have recently taken me to England, Italy, Tanzania and New Zealand’s South Island.

I’m looking forward to meeting each of the Crazy Women and sharing in the fun and laughter perpetuated by our leader, LaLa!

Theresa

Birthday: February 24

I have been a labor and delivery nurse for the past 13 years. I work at Presbyterian Hospital of Rockwall now. I am a mother of 2 and grandmother of 5. I have just recently gotten into photography and am very excited about learning from all of you. I use a Nikon 3100.

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Food Challenge: Entry #8 Party Limes

So today we have a submission by Vickie… and I can confirm that this gal likes a good party!
“This was taken outside in natural light. Love limes and always have some around the house. This martini glass always makes me smile and feel like a party!! I love pictures that make me happy because of the colors!”

6 thoughts on “Food Challenge: Entry #8 Party Limes”

I like the angle that you have shot this and it is helpful that you blurred the back wall as that could easily be distracting. I think it might have been a bit improved if you had turned the lime in the front to avoid the imperfections on the skin. When you are concentrating on something close-up, the imperfections become more noticable. And the same thing happens when doing close-ups of flowers. In that case you have two options, find another to shoot or fix it in LR or PS. Oh… you could also give me the imperfect one to use in my gin and tonic!

I like the angle too Fay! The colors are wonderful, they do make you happy! I might have put a lime at the base for added interest or cut it in half, just an idea though, great job Vicky! I’ll take a Mojito here!

Vickie,
I really like how well the green limes look in that colorful martini glass! I also like the natural look with it being taken outside on the wooden table. I imagine that was quite a challenge to get the depth of field you needed….I think you did a great job with it!

Society for the Arts in Healthcare

Fay is a member of the Society for the Arts in Healthcare on behalf of the Crazy Women's Photography Club as she strongly believes that photography can relieve stress in the healthcare worker, promote comraderie and provide a lifelong pastime to be enjoyed and shared with others.

Photography Quotes

"Which of my photographs is my favorite? The one I'm going to take tomorrow."
(Imogen Cunningham)

"If I knew how to take a good photograph, I'd do it every time."
(Robert Doisneau)

"There are always two people in every picture: the photographer and the viewer."
(Ansel Adams)

"To me, photography is an art of observation. It's about finding something interesting in an ordinary place... I've found it has little to do with the things you see and everything to do with the way you see them."
(Elliott Erwitt)

"I didn't want to let women down. One of the stereotypes I see breaking is the idea of aging and older women not being beautiful."
(Annie Leibovitz)

"I always thought of photography as a naughty thing to do -- that was one of my favorite things about it, and when I first did it, I felt very perverse."
(Diane Arbus)

"I began to realize that the camera sees the world differently than the human eye and that sometimes those differences can make a photograph more powerful than what you actually observed."
(Galen Rowell)